Kiss announced new dates for The End of the Road Tour after postponements caused by the COVID-19 , but this time without holding meet and greets with fans. Gene Simmons explained the reason for the decision.
The Music Universe podcast last week, the bassist explained the change of plans. “This is for the fans and for us too. If a fan infects any of us, the whole tour is canceled, the insurance company goes crazy, and everyone files lawsuits,” he noted (via Brave Words ).
The band had several meet and greet packages and VIP experiences for all dates of the Desperida tour, with options ranging from US$750 to US$4,000, equivalent to R$3,900 and R$20,800 at the current exchange rate, respectively.
“Just a jerk who didn’t care about you, only concerned with his own ‘freedoms.’ As a courtesy, we even cover our mouths to yawn, and you don’t want to wear a mask [even when] you might put someone at risk?” Simmons questioned.
Unfortunately, Simmons' prediction partially came true. Paul Stanley tested positive for COVID-19 on August 26th and, despite mild symptoms, several of the band's shows were postponed – one of them, which was scheduled for the date of the diagnosis, was canceled at the last minute, and fans were already at the venue.
The cancellation of paid meet-and-greets with fans was announced even before the tour was halted due to the coronavirus being declared a pandemic in March 2020.
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